"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Thursday - Feeling Day



Okay this is the day I have been waiting for - for about six years - okay I am exaggerating - but lets say for a long time.

My grandson got accepted at a school about two miles from our home. We never even considered it because my daughter had heard from two different friends - that the school was tough academically and didn't want to deal with kids with problems - I call them little quirks.

My daughter and I both had laid upon our hearts - from God that GS would do better in a smaller Christian school for middle school. We started in January looking at the bigger Christian schools. One was forty minutes away, another was thirty minutes away, and and the last twenty minutes away (think what the cost of gas would be). "We' and it felt like we - we got rejected one after a another - three times. Always for some good reason. My daughter spent hours upon hours filling out forms. GS school had to send transcripts. Then the money it cost. And let me tell you - I think two new right away it wouldn't work - so why did they take the money. The third school did give the $250 back.

As the last resort - we called this school right by our house - what could it hurt we thought? It's the perfect size - 350 students. The principal was wonderful. GS shadowed there and loved it - the food too - a miracle in itself. He liked the teachers and the kids. It is accredited by GA Standards of Excellence (lol) - has sports teams - chorus - band - everything. And the price was right! We couldn't believe it. Everything we wanted at our back door. Pretty school too.

We went for our final interview on Monday - the hubs, daughter,grandson, and me! The Principal wanted to check the family! Guess what - we/he got accepted!!!!!!!!

Why didn't we go to that school first?

Now what did I learn?

1. Don't give up when the going gets hard. It isn't over until all the options have been used. We had doubts. We got sad. We got mad. But we kept trying. God was closing the doors one slam right after another. We even went to the Public school and took a tour. Our hearts broke - it was HUGE - and 35 kids to a class. And secular. The counselor said yes the class would be that big - they did not have any money to have teachers waiting on the side. Yes there was bullying, you know we try but it is a public school. And yes there were drugs, gangs, etc - but we try ...
And please if your child went to a public school I mean no disrespect. It would just not be a good environment for GS. We feel - he would not function well as 1 of 35. Then we worried if he didn't do well - then he might get mixed up with the wrong crowd - so we were protecting him.

We did have a prep school as a last resort that had accepted him - at 10K a year. $$$$$

THANK YOU GOD!

2. Now why didn't we check the closest school to our home - closer even then where he goes now? Maybe it was a God thing. Maybe if we went to the school so close to home we wouldn't have liked it as much and wouldn't have appreciated it so much as we do now. LOL

3. Some Christian schools are much more then a Christian school. They want the highest academic students they can get for ratings. It was far more about the grades, their standings, then the Christian part.
How can you be a Christian school and not want Christian kids who are average?

4. GS's new school. It seems like this school will take the average student - they are willing to work with the quirks/spelling - because they are Christian first and academics second - while academics are important - and the principal looked at all his grades (for goodness sake he's an A - B student and his test scores which are all high except for spelling) and he thought the GS was WORTHY! I had always assumed that spelling wouldn't be that important with computers in middle school anyway - I mean right?

5. And i got to the point where I had to let go and let God handle things. If the GS was going to end up at public school - then it was for a reason - because we sure tried and prayed as much as possible. And so did you! And that would have been HIS answer to us for some reason we did not understand - and we would have to accept it. (And we would have in time.)

6. And last, but not least. I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS IN BLOG LAND EVER! You all prayed for us and asked about the status at all times.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Now I can finally leave you alone! lol

I know you probably feel I was a little obsessed about this - and yes I was. Middle school is hard. Kids are mean. That's when the drugs and alcohol and sex comes out. I want the GS to stay innocent as long as he possible can. He's going to all about real learn life soon enough. His own father got into so much trouble when he was in school he dropped out and we didn't want that for GS. See he had an example of what not to do. We wanted him to get a Christian upbringing like I had done for my own kids. That to us was so important - just our beliefs. Now that is what we wanted - we thought GOd was saying no - we had to let go - let God handle things - come to acceptance what ever the outcome was going to be. And this time God did answer prayers - although you know sometimes he can say no and it still turns out rightQ

So for today I am doing the HAPPY DANCE!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

With whatever God has given you....

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75 comments:

Jeanie said...

I can feel your joy and relief. I am so glad about this outcome for your grandson and for your whole family. You are so right about how hard middle school is and it sounds like he will now have every chance for it to be the best it can be.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I'm so pleased for GS and all of you! Prayer does work, doesn't it!
You are probably right about it happening at the right time..and now you are appreciative. A granddaughter went to a Christain school all the way and is now going to graduate from high school finally. My children went to public schools, got degree's and are doing well in life..so I truely am not sure there is a huge difference but...I can see your point and if a child has issues it is good you care enough to do all you can to help!
I missed much of what happened..but at least I am not too late to thank GOD for his blessings to you and your family!
Love,
Mona

Anonymous said...

I am so very thankful for answered prayer re your grandson's school. What a wonderful blessing for all of you.

Debbie said...

I am so excited!!! Now, this is exactly why I do pray when folks ask me to. It makes it twice as grand to be able to praise when you were part of the petition. I can feel like I'm a part of it all.

I love the whole story. This was a God thing, pure and simple, and HE knew that you would tell the story abroad in blog land how He allowed doors to close to what "seemed" like a better choice because He had the BEST choice right around the corner.

It seems like God is doing that a lot around me lately. I'm learning.

Give that kid a big high five from me. And yes, oh yes, he is worthy!

Lynn said...

I am so happy for you and your family and especially GS. Answered prayers!

MadSnapper said...

sooo happy for you and your family. i know how close this was to your heart and this is wonderful. and close to home, wow on just that part. i beleive you are making the right decison, and i wish i had done that for my obsessive compulsive son. he is 47 now. good job and God bless.

Jewel said...

Well, I am sitting here in tears....tears of happiness and gratitude to the Lord for directing your steps and answering as only He can!
I do know what you've been going through with GS and the school situation.
We homeschooled our only son and as the time for him to enter 10th grade approached, I knew we were going to have to make some decisions with the help of the Lord.
Oh, how He guided us and put just the right people in our path. Our son's public education from then on was a true compliment and blessing to our homeschool endeavors of so many years. He developed lasting friendships with instructors and classmates and received a wonderful education.
Oh, but the Lord does all things well when we relinquish control to Him!
I am rejoicing with you!! *doing the happy dance* :-)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I am so happy to hear this news! I've been thinking of you all and hoping the right place would open up for your GS. May he have wonderful schooling there! :-)

Jill said...

Amen! God always has a plan. You are not obsessed at all. You want the best for your dear GS and I love ya for it!

PR said...

Oh yay how great is that, really pleased for you :)

From the Kitchen said...

That's good news! It sounds like a great school that offers all the perks of a larger school in a smaller environment. Should be very nurturing for a middle schooler.

I found those chocolate-bottom Peeps at World Market just in case you have one.

Best,
Bonnie

Knitty said...

Congratulations!!!

I believe things happen for a reason although I'll be darned if I can see the reason most of the time, sometimes even after resolution when hindsight is supposed to be 20/20.

I am in the position of waiting and praying for something I cannot influence. I know in the end, things will unfold as they should, but watching a loved one struggle or worrying about something we know might be around the corner (life experiences makes us see that) certainly can tie us into knots.

Wanda's Wings said...

I am so thankful that all worked out. It funny that we some time think we have the answer when God does.

Kim said...

YAY!! I am doing the happy dance with you! DIdn't I tell you that maybe those early disappointments were for a reason?? Now we know - there was a bigger, better plan.

So pleased for your family.
Kim

Anonymous said...

Oh I dance with you Sandie....this is wonderful news ....isn't HE just the best to make all things possible

Shelly said...

So happy for you! God is always, always faithful.

Granny Annie said...

My prayer is that someday free public education will become a place everyone wants to send their children.

Helen said...

Wonderful news to begin my Thursday morning!!!!!

Changes in the wind said...

This is the best news ever! So glad it worked out the way you hoped...perfect in every way. Am sure GS is going to do good here and Grandma can enjoy the days to come.

betty said...

Thanking God that GS got into a school that seems to be a good fit for him!! So happy for you all, Sandie!! Lessons learned indeed in patience, endurance, waiting, being faithful and trusting God! I'm sure he'll do great there! Now on to planning where he goes to high school!

betty

Debbie said...

you are focusing your engery in the best direction possible. education is the most important aspect of their young lives!!

i love the sign at the end, i must write that one in my book!!

Jim said...

I am so very happy for you guys, Sandie! And no, I don't believe and didn't ever think that you were 'little obsessed' about it all. You are a concerned grandmother and we need lots of those now to stand by and help such busy parents in this busy world.

I know what you mean about private vs. public. A lot of people choose their housing based upon school districts. Our Houston is sooooo large and yet with the various options they all can get very good educations. Yes, there are drugs, alcohol, sex, and gangs there. But hopefully the child can be educated about that.

As far as the bullies are concerned, I was terrified in all during high school by one of the football players who had beat me up in the rest room. And we only had 48 in our class with about 200 in the whole high school.

Even the principal came into the class room one day and took a student by the head and banged it on the wall over and over again. He just lost his patience. And kept his job. That boy straightened out too!
..

Remington said...

That is AWESOME! Congrats!

jack69 said...

Wonderful, so glad 'you all' got accepted. Great report of something good and also the THANKS that goes along with it.
Take care. We are back on line. LOL

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sandie you know how happy I am for all of you! I have prayed so much about this. I think that lesson of let go and let God is at work here. You learned lessons, GS is in a great school and close by and now we can all rejoice with you! Big Hugs, Linda

Nancy said...

Sandie, this is wonderful news...I know you are relieved that the process is over and that God wanted to show you His perfect will for your grandson...What a testimony to him to see that you wanted God's will for him and God did show up....at the perfect time......

TexWisGirl said...

absolutely wonderful news! for all of you who have worked so hard to find the right fit for him. :)

BECKY said...

So happy for everyone!!

AudreyO said...

So happy he got into this school. My daughter goes to a private college that is incredibly small. I remember being so worried about her being accepted. It's a great fit though.

dr momi said...

Yay for the Happy Dance! :-) How perfect did this all end up?

Cheri said...

So happy for all of you...I just knew that God had a plan. Glad you put your trust in him.

CalamityJr said...

Oh, Sandie! I'd be happy dancing with you right now, but I'm not so sure they'd appreciate it here at work :). I couldn't be happier, though!

Susan said...

Hi Sandie! HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY news. So very happy. Great that GS will be in a good environment, close to home. GOD IS GOOD. Susan

Anonymous said...

such greeat news! It was meant to be for sure, seems like you we worry and fuss sometimes all for noithing , God has it covered, we need just remember that.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

What joy to see the power of prayer in action!

I am so happy for you all and wish him the very best.

Have a wonderful, blessed Easter!

Rob-bear said...

Oh, Sandie: this is such good news! I am so happy for all of you! The school you want, and within walking distance of your place (more or less). Just right for GS to come to your place for milk and cookies after school.

Blessings and Bear hugs to you, all. Y'all have fun now.

TARYTERRE said...

congratulations to all of you. Persistance paid off. How funny the solution was right there all the time. God works in mysterious ways. I am sure your grandson will thrive there. Take care.

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Hi Sandie! Yahoo!!!!!!

I'm so happy for you!
God was listening and made the right choice. He was just waiting for you to see it. :)

xo,
Dee

Ginny Hartzler said...

YEAH, I am SO happy for you!!!!!! An answer to all our prayers! So often I think God shows us the best last, maybe so we will see the other options and then appreciate what He has for us even more. Dance away, my friend!!!!

Anonymous said...

Whoppiieeeee! THAT made my day reading this. I know you have been working VERY hard to find a good school for GS. And I am so happy to hear that you FINALLY have gotten accepted!!! And just around the corner - how cool is that. Sometimes things are closer than you think, aren't they?! I'm joining you in doing the happy dance :) Have a fantastic day my friend!!
Big hugs x

Eva

Anonymous said...

When one door closes another one opens. It may take many but the Lord knows our hearts. All three of mine went to a Christian School. Now my youngest son has sent his daughter to Christian school right near home. She is now in third year of Christian Highschool . My oldest granddaughter never went to a Christian school. Never the less God used her to witness the Lord and she got the kids going to her church and allot got saved. yes a secular schoolshe went to.Still the Lord uses her. Now in University she is being used again. She is getting together with the youths for prayer groups and activities of Christ. Now other Grandchildren are having the teachers in the secual schools being a real pain. No help for the kids.Mad mouthes. Terrible. If your daughter or son-law can get on the board of the Christian school. My husband did and he was so grateful for that. He really got to know the staff and the books they used compared to the secular schools. So I am very happy for you and your family. Of course for your Grandson.Your daughter is blessed she can afford a Christian school. Not many this day and age can. So that is wonderful!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I'm so happy for all of you! I agree wholeheartedly that middle school years are very formative and that parents have to make an effort to try to get their children into schools that are a good match, if possible. It sounds like this school will be perfect for your grandson. He is lucky to have such a loving family to guide him in his choices.

Sally said...

Wonderful news. Happy for all especially your GS! :)

Melanie said...

I'm so happy to read your wonderful news today, Sandie! ♥

Belle said...

I actually cried after reading this; in joy for you and in sadness that "Christian Schools" would only take the very best. How glad I am that God is not like that! He accepts us just as we are and then helps us.

I don't think you were obsessed. You of course want your grandson to be protected from the very real evil in this world. We sent our daughters to a church school for the same reason and I'm glad we did. Oh, I am so happy for your family. But I truly wish all Christian schools would take all children who want to go. It is astounding to me that they don't.

momto8 said...

yea!! congrats on the acceptance...congrats to everyone! good luck to all!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I love how you wrote we/he got accepted. Yeahhhh Andy and you guys. This is such an encouraging take away post. Chatty I come here b/c you always make me leave smiling. Yep.....you did it again. Hugs to you. And cheering for your victory.

DaCraftyLady said...

Congrats on the GS making it!!! hip hip hooray!!! love the thoughts of perseverance...I have a question, every time you click on my name it takes you to my Google+ page and not the profile page where it lists my blogs? Can you tell me how I can change this? I have looked but I just cannot seem to find it???? I notice that bloggers are having trouble finding me....thanks Debb

Lynn said...

Congratulations! I'm very happy for your family,wishing you all the best:@)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Definitely worthy of the happy dance. That is fantastic news. I am thrilled for all of you. I am sure God had His hand in this.
((HUGS)) Now that's a big weight off your chest.

Ann said...

congratulations. So happy for all of you. Now you know we are going to want to hear updates as the school year progresses.

deb said...

woo hooo!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats!! So glad everything has FINALLY worked out..even the way you wanted all along! I'm doing the happy dance with you!!!!
Yippeeeee!!
xoxoxoxo
*hugs*deb

Blondee said...

Congratulations!

Sandie-
I know how much he means to you, and I am thrilled for you and for him that this one is a good fit all the way around. What a blessing. He works everything to His glory!

SquirrelQueen said...

Congratulations! It sounds like all the time and effort finally paid off. Sometimes no matter how hard it is we have to keep trying. The rewards will come and, as in this case, may be even better than what you thought possible.

Mom of 12 said...

That is so awesome! Love your happy dance.
Sandy

Deb said...

awesome news...I'm doing the happy dance with you...

Grammy Goodwill said...

What an answer to prayer this is. I am so glad that GS has found the right fit for him. As a former middle school teacher, I agree on how important and formative those years are. YAY!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

too cool!
love
tweedles

Randy said...

Love the thought of the day.

Angela said...

Praise the Lord Sandie! That is wonderful news! And 2 miles from home! Wow! That is a big blessing too! You can even walk to school! lol I'm laughing and joking at that because here in WV they think it is fine for a kid to walk 2 miles in the country to catch a bus to ride to school! I think that is crazy!

Hugs,
Angela

Mevely317 said...

I can't think of anything to say, but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Bev said...

Oh Sandi... I am so Happy for you ...and your whole family!! Praise the Lord... He will perfect..that which concerns you!!!

Grandma Bonnie said...

May God Bless you for being an awesome grandma! I am so happy for your family. I thank God today for answering your prayers and ours also. I am sure you are going to have an awesome weekend but just in case I am wishing you a great weekend.

Love Of Quilts said...

Thats good news.

Linda O'Connell said...

Sandie, So happy for your grandson, and I know how relieved you are.

I am happy too that I can finally comment on your blog without that blocker thingy. Yay!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I will do a happy dance with you!!!!- I know how difficult this has been for you and your family and I am so relieved that y'all found the best school for your gs. God always has a plan for us!!

Arkansas Patti said...

Absolutely wonderful news. I kind of agree with reason #2. You may now exhale.

Nancy said...

The first hurdle has been cleared -- I hope the rest are easy ones! :) xoxo

Marie said...

Sandie, I'm so happy for you all! I do believe this school will be a much better enviroment for our GS. It does work out. :)

Vee said...

A subject near and dear to my heart...so glad that the Lord worked everything out for your grandson to attend a Christian school much closer to home.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great news, Sandie... Remember when I told you that God had a plan for your grandson... I was RIGHT ---and God is always there for us. Sometimes we have to go around the barn before going in it... This is just great news... I am so happy... God Bless You --all of you.
Hugs,
Betsy

enthusiastically, dawn said...

Congrats and wow. So glad to hear the outcome!

Betty said...

Now I've got the whole story. YEA!!! See, all's well that ends well. I wish all kids could avoid middle school, but I've never heard of anyone getting to skip.

Have you ever been behind a school bus that stops to let middle school kids off? They know darn well that they're holding up traffic and they love it. With an attitude they slowly stroll across the street while everyone waits. It's such a fun age!

I'm so thankful that it all worked out for you.

Sharon said...

Oh my goodness, Sandie!! I am OVERJOYED at this news! I have prayed for God's timing and His perfect answer. And here it is!

I don't think for a second that you obsessed about any of this - especially for middle school. Middle school is a brutal time in a kid's life sometimes. And so, it's VERY important where they spend it.

I loved all your lessons. #1 is one I continually struggle with - until I usually end up learning #5!

Never give up - but give everything over to God. Hmmm...sounds like a real plan to me!!

GOD BLESS!

Jane said...

Hooray! I wish Andy much success! He is blessed to have such a terrific family,

Jane